So you think mosquitoes, flies and bugs just come with the territory when camping? If you answered “yes” … think again! We know how to keep bugs away while camping so you can relax and enjoy the great outdoors and we’re sharing our tips with you! Psst we’re compensated…see our disclosures.

How To Keep Bugs Away While Camping

Odors That Keep Bugs Away While Camping – Camping For Foodies .com

1. Odors That Keep Bugs Away While Camping

Some odors attract bugs and others repel them. When we are dispersed camping in National Forests we avoid setting up near the grazing cattle because the flies, mosquitoes and other bugs swarm to them! Also, some bugs are attracted to scents associated with bodies and hygiene products. You can actually eliminate scents from clothing, gear and your body by using a Clothing, Gear And Body Scent Elimination Kit with specially formulated Deodorant/Antiperspirant, Bar Soap, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo/Conditioner that is safe on all fabrics and in high efficiency washing machines.

Most people know mosquitoes hate citronella; did you also know they have an aversion to herbs like lavender, mint, lemon balm and sage? You might wonder how to keep bugs away while camping with herbal scents and smoke. You can use Repeller Devices and Mosquito Repellent Pest Control Lanternsthat use butane cartridges to heat repellent mats that release a synthetic copy of the natural repellent found in chrysanthemum flowers!Mosquito Coils also work well but they almost look like toys to young kids so do some “don’t touch this” training if you have little ones camping with you. Another option is to throw Sage Smudge Sticks into your campfire to produce scents that deter the pesky bugs.

2. Moisture And Dirt Elimination To Keep Bugs Away While Camping

Mosquitoes, flies and other bugs are attracted to wet and dirty environments. Before you even set up camp, you can help to minimize the attraction of bugs by choosing a camp location that is dry. Try to avoidareas with standing water like ponds and puddles. It is easier to keep bugs away while camping in a clean campsite too … wash your dishes and cookware immediately after you are finished with them, don’t leave open food around your site and dispose of food waste in a container you can close like this Camp Chef Collapsible Garbage Can.

3. Spray Barriers That Keep Bugs Away While Camping

Creating an invisible barrier is a popular way to keep bugs away while camping. You can use a spray directly on your body and clothing or you can spray the surrounding air. DEET has a bit of controversy associated with it; even though some environmental agencies have determined it is safe, there is not absolute consensus on the matter. Products that contain it, like Ben’s 100% DEET Mosquito/Insect Repellent, are very effective but if you prefer a gentler alternative, essential oils, like Nature Shield Synergy Essential Oil Roll-On, are well-liked by people who want to avoid a DEET-based product. If you prefer to treat the surrounding area (instead of your body and clothing) foggers, like this Burgess Propane Insect Fogger, are the way to go.

4. Physical Barriers That Keep Bugs Away While Camping

Sometimes the bugs are so ferocious that an invisible deterrent won’t be enough to stay bug-free and a physical barrier is the only thing to keep bugs away while camping. Most gear has gaps … which means mosquitoes, flies and bugs can find their way in to tents and RVs … do your best to keep tents zipped and RVs screened throughout your trip so you don’t have to deal with trying to chase the insects out. On the food front, there is nothing more unappetizing than watching a legion of flies having a party on the food you are ready to eat! Use bug nets, like Mesh Screen Food Covers, to protect food and screen rooms, like a Tailgaterz Magnetic Screen House, to protect people. You can also cover your body with long sleeve shirts and pants. Try to keep your neck and head protected with head nets, like a Coghlan’s No-See-Um Head Net … it is designed to be worn over a hat or other head gear.

If you are camping in an RV, make sure you cover any access points where bugs can enter. Create a barrier that allows airflow but prevents bugs from entering and nesting.Camco Flying Insect Screens protect furnace vents and Camco No Insect Bumper Caps protect bumpers (where most RVers store their dump hoses.)

5. Light And Electricity To Keep Bugs Away While Camping

After the sun goes down, bugs tend to be attracted to lights so try to stay darker than the campsite next door … LOL! But seriously, try to keep the light level low and consider using an Electric Bug Zapper Racket to swat bugs that invade your campsite. Not only are zapper rackets effective, they can be a fun “game” with competitive campers keeping score!

Kim Hanna

Kim Hanna is the creator of Camping For Foodies®. On her blog, http://www.CampingForFoodies.com, she shares her passion for camping, hiking and cooking as well as living a balanced yet dream-pursuing life. Kim has appeared on several local TV networks, in magazines and at live special events as the ‘Modern Society Weekend Escape Expert’ she has become…inspiring others to unplug from their hectic lives one camp recipe at a time. She believes many adults are so consumed with their 24/7 connected lives that they don’t take time to enjoy nature and live in the moment. Kim gladly issues “permission slips” to adults who request them! She is a contributor to AZ Outdoor Magazine and has her own cooking segment on the Great Food Good Neighbors TV show. Kim is a Christian and lives in Phoenix with her husband and two cats.

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